MUTIPURPOSE CUSHION SYSTEM

Abstract

A multipurpose cushion system that meets multiple needs by providing at least two distinct cushion designs: a convex shaped cushion that acts as a closed seat type cushion and a concave cushion designed as a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion. The convex outer cushion casing has a circular or regular polygonal shape that includes a flat front face and a flat back face and a side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face, the outer cushion has a closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face. The two cushions are nested to provide a synergistic effect in which the concave cushion acts as fill for a closed convex seat type cushion and the outer convex cushion casing acts as a cover for a concave (hippocrepiform shaped) neck cushion. The hippocrepiform neck cushion shape and dimensions facilitate function as cushion for a seat cushion while also optimizing neck support.

Claims

1) A multipurpose cushion system comprising: a convex outer cushion casing have a convex shape that includes a flat front face and a flat back face and a side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a substantially uniform thickness, the outer cushion having a closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face; a concave inner cushion configured in a hippocrepiform-shape and having a substantially uniform rectangular cross section around the hippocrepiform-shape of the body, the inner cushion comprising a casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric casing having a substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front face and a flat back face with an inner side wall and an outer side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a substantially uniform thickness, the inner cushion having a closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face, and the inner cushion containing a fill material, the inner cushion hippocrepiform-shape having a crotch formed by the joining of two legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely to hold the inner cushion in position, and the closeable opening covered, the opening for adding or removing fill material; wherein the inner cushion is compressible to fit within the outer cushion casing such that the inner cushion acts as fill for a closed seat type cushion and the outer cushion casing acts as a cover for a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion.

2) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the fill material for the inner cushion is a hippocrepiform-shaped insert that has a flat front face, a flat back face and a side wall extending from the front face to the back wall so that the hippocrepiform-shaped insert has a substantially uniform uncompressed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the inner cushion casing, and the inner cushion casing has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer cushion casing, such that the inner cushion is compressed when encased within the inner cushion casing and the hippocrepiform shaped inner cushion is compressed when encased within the outer casing.

3) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the flat top and bottom surfaces of the concave hippocrepiform shaped cushion align to provide a flat cushion for the flat surfaces of the convex cushion.

4) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the concave cushion wraps around a storage space inside the outer cushion casing to provide a storage space with lateral cushioning.

5) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided on the outer sidewall of the outer cushion casing.

6) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the outer cushion casing.

7) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the inner cushion casing.

8) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided on one of the front face and the back face of the outer cushion casing.

9) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the outer cushion casing cover is formed of a lyrca spandex blend stretchable fabric.

10) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the outer cushion casing cover is formed of a clear polymer fabric.

11) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 1, wherein the inner cushion casing cover is formed of a plush washable fabric.

12) A multipurpose cushion system comprising: a convex outer cushion casing have a convex ovate shape that includes a flat front face and a flat back face and a side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a substantially uniform thickness, the outer cushion having a closeable opening to allow access to the interior of the casing; a concave inner cushion configured in a hippocrepiform-shape that includes an outer perimeter that conforms to the shape of the outer cushion casing and a substantially uniform rectangular cross section around the hippocrepiform-shape of the body, the inner cushion comprising a casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric casing having a substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front face and a flat back face with an inner side wall and an outer side wall extending between a perimeter edge of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face so the cushion has a substantially uniform thickness, the inner cushion having a closeable opening removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face and the perimeter edge of the flat back face, and the inner cushion containing a fill material, the inner cushion hippocrepiform-shape having a crotch formed by the joining of two legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely to hold the inner cushion in position, and the closeable opening, the opening for adding or removing fill material; wherein the inner cushion is compressible to fit within the outer cushion casing such that the inner cushion acts as fill for a closed seat type cushion and the outer cushion casing acts as a cover for a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion.

13) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the fill material for the inner cushion is a hippocrepiform-shaped insert that has a flat front face, a flat back face and a side wall extending from the front face to the back wall so that the hippocrepiform-shaped insert has a substantially uniform uncompressed thickness that is greater than the thickness of the inner cushion casing, and the inner cushion casing has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer cushion casing, such that the inner cushion is compressed when encased within the inner cushion casing and the hippocrepiform shaped inner cushion is compressed when encased within the outer casing.

14) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, further comprising an elongated positioning strap having a first end secured to the side wall of the outer cushion casing and a second end detachable secured to the sidewall of the outer cushion casing.

15) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 14, further comprising a snap connector having a first snap part secured to the side wall of the outer casing and a second snap part secured to the second end of the elongated positioning strap to provide a snap connection between the second end of the positioning strap and the outer casing.

16) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 15, wherein the concave cushion wraps around a storage space inside the outer cushion casing to provide a storage space with lateral cushioning.

17) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 16, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the outer cushion casing.

18) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, further comprising a zipper for sealing the closeable opening provided in the inner cushion casing.

19) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the outer casing is made of leather.

20) The multipurpose cushion system of claim 12, wherein the inner cushion casing is made of a plush material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convex outer cushion casing filled with the compressed inner cushion.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the outer cushion casing filled with the compressed inner cushion.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the outer cushion casing filled with the compressed inner cushion.

[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the outer cushion casing unzipped to reveal a portion of the inner cushion that acts as fill.

[0020] FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the positioning strap positioning the outer cushion on a seat back.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion.

[0024] FIG. 8A is a cross section along the lines indicated in FIG. 8B.

[0025] FIG. 8B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion uncompressed.

[0026] FIG. 9A is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed into an oblong cushion.

[0027] FIG. 9B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed into an L-shaped elongated cushion.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed into a coil.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed to provide a storage space.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert uncompressed.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert uncompressed.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective side view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert uncompressed.

[0033] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an ovate (egg shaped) convex outer cushion casing that conforms to the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion filled with the compressed inner cushion.

[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an the ovate (egg shaped) convex outer cushion casing that conforms to the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion filled with the compressed inner cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. As shown, the multipurpose cushion system includes a concave hippocrepiform-shaped compressible foam cushion insert the is encased within a concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing that, in one embodiment, is slightly smaller than the foam cushion insert so that the foam cushion insert is compressed and fills the concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing. The filled hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing may be encased within a convex outer casing that is less thick than the hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion casing so that the hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion acts as compressed fill for a convex shaped cushion

[0036] FIGS. 1-3 show various views of the convex outer cushion casing filled with the compressed inner cushion. The convex outer cushion casing 100 has a convex (e.g., circular or regular polygonal shape) that includes a flat front face 110 and a flat back face 120 and a side wall 130 extending between a perimeter edge 133 of the flat front face and a perimeter edge of the flat back face 134. The outer cushion has a zippered closeable opening 140 removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face 133 and the perimeter edge of the flat back face 134. A strap 150 is provided to facilitate carrying and storage of the cushion 100. The strap 150 has one end affixed to the sidewall 130 of the casing and an opposed end detachably connected to the casing by a snap connection. FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the positioning strap 150 positioning the outer cushion on a seat back.

[0037] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the outer cushion casing 100 unzipped to reveal a portion of the inner cushion 200 that acts as fill. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200 may be compressed into a coil or compressed to provide a storage space 170 with lateral cushioning within the outer casing 100.

[0038] FIGS. 5-8A show various views of a concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200. As shown, the inner cushion 200 is configured in a hippocrepiform-shape that has a substantially uniform rectangular cross section (FIG. 8A) between the rounded tips of the hippocrepiform-shape of the body. The inner cushion includes a casing made of an hippocrepiform-shaped fabric member 200F having a substantially rectangular cross section to provide a flat front face 210 and a flat back face 220 with an inner side wall 2301 and an outer side wall 2300 extending from the rounded tips of legs between a perimeter edge 233 of the flat front face and a perimeter edge 234 of the flat back face. The inner cushion 200 has a zippered closeable opening 240 removed from both the perimeter edge 233 of the flat front face and the perimeter edge 234 of the flat back face. The inner cushion 200 containing a fill material, which in the embodiment shown is a concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert 300 that when uncompressed has a thickness dimension greater than that of the inner cushion so that the insert is compressed when encased within the inner cushion 200. The hippocrepiform-shape of the inner cushion 200 has a crotch formed by the joining of two legs, configured to receive the neck of a user sufficiently closely to hold the inner cushion in position, and the zippered closeable opening for adding or removing fill material.

[0039] The inner cushion casing 200 may be formed of a plush washable material. To facilitate use as a neck pillow, straps 250a and 250b may be provided at the ends of the opposed legs of the inner cushion casing 200. Snaps, Velcro or some other connectors are provided to connect the straps 250a, 250b to secure the neck pillow around a user's neck.

[0040] In addition to use as a neck cushion, the inner cushion 200 may be compressed into various shapes to meet the wide variety of cushioning needs one might experience while traveling. FIG. 9A is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed into an oblong cushion for supporting a leg or seat, for example. FIG. 9B is a top view of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed into an L-shaped elongated cushion to support and arm or leg, for example.

[0041] As noted above, FIG. 10 shows the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200 compressed into a coil. FIG. 11 shows the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion compressed to provide a storage space 170 when encased within the outer casing. Importantly, in both the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11, the flat top surface 210 and flat bottom surface 220 are aligned along a plane to provide a flat cushion support for the flat top surface 110 and flat bottom surface 120 of the outer cushion casing. The storage space 170 is protected laterally by the cushion 200 and also by the outer casing 100. A zippered opening may be provided on the face of the cushions as shown, for example, in FIGS. 15 and 16. A storage pocket may be attached to the inside of the outer casing 200 to provide secure cushioned storage within the outer casing 200.

[0042] FIGS. 12-14 show various views of the concave hippocrepiform-shaped foam cushion insert 300 uncompressed. The cushion insert 300 has a flat top surface 310, flat bottom surface 320 and sidewalls extending between the top and bottom surfaces to provide a substantially rectangular cross section.

[0043] Various fabrics and fill material may be used. A stretch lyrca-spandex blend is advantageous for the outer casing to allow limited stretching to facilitate insertion of the inner cushion. Alternatively, a clear polymer material may be used to permit the cushion to be used in venues, such as stadiums, that restrict opaque containers. The inner cushion is ideal as a neck support pillow. A washable plush fabric may be most comfortable for this purpose. A polyurethane or memory foam insert may be used as the insert for the inner cushion. The insert may be one piece or two more pieces that themselves act as cushions such as foot cushions, for example.

[0044] As described, the multipurpose cushion system meets various needs by providing at least two distinct cushion designs: a convex shaped cushion that acts as a closed seat type cushion and a concave cushion designed as a hippocrepiform-shaped neck cushion. The two cushions are nested to provide a synergistic effect in which the concave cushion acts as fill for a closed convex seat type cushion and the outer convex cushion casing acts as a cover for a concave (hippocrepiform shaped) neck cushion.

[0045] The shape of the inner cushion is particularly important. A hippocrepiform form differs from a straight u-shape in that the legs are curved inward. In an embodiment of the invention, it has been found that advantages result from a hippocrepiform shape in which the legs curve inward so that the distance/space (Smin) when the surfaces of the legs nearest to one another (near the end of the legs) is less than one-half the maximum spacing (Smax). In addition, the thickness T200 of the inner cushion 200 is preferably less than that maximum spacing Smax between the legs and more than the minimum spacing Smin between the legs. These dimensional relationships and the generally flat side walls provide firm but comfortable neck support when the inner cushion is used as a neck pillow. The hippocrepiform shaped cushion offers advantages over a straight U-shape form in that the shape provides better neck support and also facilitates storing the inner cushion in the outer cushion case in a way that aligns the flat top and bottom surfaces of the inner cushion to support the flat top and bottom surfaces of the outer cushion casing.

[0046] The inner cushion has an uncompressed thickness T300 that is greater than the thickness T200 of the inner cushion casing and the inner cushion casing has a thickness T200 that is greater than the thickness T100 of the outer cushion casing. By virtue of this dimensional relationship, the inner cushion 300 is compressed when encased within the inner cushion casing 200 and the hippocrepiform shaped inner cushion 200 is compressed when encased within the outer casing 100. The flat top 210 and bottom 220 surfaces of the concave hippocrepiform shaped cushion 200 align to provide a flat cushion for the flat surfaces 110, 120 of the convex cushion. The concave cushion may also wrap around a storage space 170 to provide a storage space with lateral cushioning. Additional cushions may be nested within the system such as foot cushions nested within the arms of the hippocrepiform shaped neck pillow.

[0047] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternative outer casing design. In this embodiment, the outer casing 100V has an ovate (egg shape) that conforms to the concave hippocrepiform-shaped inner cushion 200 filled with the compressed inner cushion 300. If desired the thickness of the outer casing may, as in the previous embodiments, have a thickness that is less than the thickness T200 of the inner cushion casing, but this is not necessary. When the thickness of the outer casing conforms to, or is slightly greater than, the uncompressed thickness T200 of the inner cushion casing the inner cushion is snugly contained and the space between the legs of the cushion 200 is not compressed. In this way, the space available as a cushioned storage space 170 is maximized when the inner cushion casing is encased within the outer cushion casing. In addition, the peripheral support combined with the covered void may be more comfortable for some users as explained above. In addition to or in lieu of the zippered closeable opening 140 provided along the side edge at a location removed from both the perimeter edge of the flat front face 133 and the perimeter edge of the flat back face 134. A closeable opening may be provided on one of the flat front face 133 and the flat back face 134 to allow direct access to the cushioned storage space provided by the opposed legs of the encased inner cushion. When the closeable opening is provided on a flat face of the inner cushion casing, the inner cushion may be inserted into the casing through that opening and the closure on the side edge may be omitted, if desired.

[0048] A positioning strap 150 is provided at the top of the cushion to allow the cushion to be detachably secured to a fixture (such as a head rest (e.g., FIG. 4B), luggage handle) so that the cushion is held in position. In an embodiment. The strap 150 is about an inch wide and sewn or otherwise non-detachably secured to the outer case at an attachment point. The opposed end of the strap has a strap snap piece attached (as by grommet) that snaps together with a mating case snap piece attached (as by grommet) to the outer case at a location spaced from the attached end of the strap that is about 2.25 inches less than the length of the strap from the attachment point to the strap snap piece on the strap. Because the length between the strap snap and the attachment point is longer than the distance between the case shape and the attachment point a loop is formed when the strap snap is snapped onto the case snap. This loop allows the strap to be secured to a fixture such as a head rest of luggage handle to hold the cushion in position. The snaps may be magnetic to facilitate attachment.

[0049] The snap attachment may be a grommet snap fastener in the form of a pair of interlocking discs (metal or plastic) secured to the strap and case respectively. A circular lip under one-disc fits into a groove on the top of the other, holding them fast until a certain amount of force is applied. Different types of snaps can be usedan S-type snap has springs in the socket part. Two springs open to allow the snap to fit in or ring-type springs that open to allow the snap to fit in. The ring type snap has a stronger action than that of the S-Spring Snap.

[0050] Though the outer cushion casing is described as part of a multipurpose cushion system, the casing can be used to encase other forms of inner cushions including other forms of neck pillows. Features, such as the storage access closure (zipper) and positioning strap, described herein in the context of the multipurpose cushion system may be used for a separate casing for other neck pillows and inner cushions. The outer casing could also be used to store a travel blanket or other soft material in addition to or in lieu of an inner cushion. The firmness of the outer cushion can be adjusted be changing or addition to the material encased. The outer casing provides an important function in preserving the inner cushion in a sanitized state when traveling in environments where the cushion might get dirty or unsanitary.

[0051] A wide variety of fabric, leather and synthetic materials may be used for the outer and inner cushions with each offering advantages and limitations. Leather provides durability and strength. PU leather is an artificial leather material made with split leather (that's the fibrous part of the hide left over from making genuine leather) which has been coated with polyurethane (hence the name PU). Velour and similar plush materials provide comfortable and are available in stretch and non-stretch blends. Nylons such as nylon packcloth, ripstop nylon (lightweight and resistant to tearing), ballistic nylon (thick and durable). Others include Cordura (water resistant and abrasion and puncture resistant), denim, neoprene Polyutherane (PU) Synthetic leather. For the outer casing in particular, washability can be an important factor in material choice.